Palmerston Raiders looking to restart A-grade season after run of losses

PALMERSTON Raiders are hoping to turn their season around after a slew of poor results when they face a challenging Northern Sharks outfit in round 10 of the NRL NT A-grade premiership

Raiders co-captain Alex Johnson will be looking to guide his side back into the winners circle. Picture: Glenn Campbell

PALMERSTON Raiders are hoping to turn their season around after a slew of poor results when they face a challenging Northern Sharks outfit in round 10 of the NRL NT A-grade premiership.

Early season favourites Palmerston started their season off in style quickly finding their way to the top of the table in spite of early injuries.

However, a slew of losses comprising four of their past five games has seen the Raiders slip back down the table and back into a fight to retain a shot at finals.

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Coach Merg Mikaelian was disappointed in the recent results and despite still holding the ability and skill of his squad in high esteem he noted that something needed to change to get back in the winning.

“It’s been pretty disappointing not only for me as the coach but for the players as well who have been disappointed in their recent efforts,” Mikaelian said.

“We’ve competed in all of the games but have failed to get the wins recently. We’ve been starting games really well but need more resilience in the second half where we seem to drop away.

“Some players also need to show better decision making with some of our seniors players dropping to reserves this week to rediscover that forrm that we need. They all know that if they want to play finals they need to perform.

“Everyone has been training well each week and we know we have a strong team but that’s just not coming together for the wins as the moment and is something we need to rectify.”

Raiders will get a boost this week with star hooker Tom Murphy making his return after being suspended for two matches following the game against Brothers.

Murphy will be hungry to make up for the lost time alongside co-captain Alex Johnson who is returning to match fitness following a length injury layoff.

Sharks however are raring to get notch another result and all but secure their place in finals.

They have power players across the field led by their captain and hooker Jacob Collie who will be looking for a strong showing from his troops.

“Sharks are a vastly improved team this year. A balanced side with a very good spine and forward pack,” Mikaelian said.

“They beat us last time we played and so I’m expecting another tough game. Our players need to step up and put it to them.

“Ball control will be crucial particularly in our own half. We need to keep ahold of the ball and turn the pressure on them in their own half.”

Meanwhile, Litchfield Bears will host top side Nightcliff Dragons at Webber Park with the Bears looking for the upset. And South Darwin and Darwin Brothers fought it out on Friday night.